Rep. Walz releases statement on Syria

September 3, 2013

SOUTHERN MINNESOTA - U.S. Rep. Tim Walz (D-Mankato) has joined his congressional colleagues in issuing a statement on President Obama's decision to seek congressional approval for military action against Syria over its alleged used of chemical weapons on its own citizens.

Walz was originally among the more than 100 members of the U.S. House to call for the president to seek congressional approval. On Saturday, he flew to Washington D.C. to attend a classified briefing on the administration's evidence that Syria was behind last month's chemical attack, which killed over 1,000 people.

Walz applauded the president for seeking approval from Congress before issuing the following statement:

"I appreciate the Administration providing the informative briefing on the situation in Syria today. As I've said from the beginning, the use of chemical weapons is despicable and there is a moral responsibility to defend the defenseless, but we cannot rush into this decision. I look forward to hearing from southern Minnesotans and debating this issue with my colleagues in Congress to make sure the national security of our nation is paramount," said Walz in a statement.

Walz previously voted in against a resolution prohibiting funds for use of force in Libya.

Other state congressional voices weigh in

Besides Walz, other Minnesota members of the U.S. Congress have released statements on their positions regarding Syria.

U.S. Sen. Al Franken release a statement that there must be consequences for Syria's actions.

"There are no good options on Syria. But as I've said, the use of chemical weapons to kill over a thousand people and injure many more is a horrendous act, and there have to be consequences for that. Whatever action the United States takes, it has to be limited action. This can't be an open-ended commitment, and it definitely should not lead to American boots on the ground. Congress now has an important role to play, and I look forward to participating in a vigorous debate about the use of force and the best interests of our country," said Franken in a statement.

U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan, a Democrat, said Sunday that he strongly opposes war against Syria. He accused the Obama administration of suffering "historical amnesia" and forgetting the lessons of the wars in Vietnam and Iraq.

U.S. Rep. Michelle Bachmann lauded Obama's decision to seek congressional approval for any potential strike. But, she stated she is "adamantly opposed to President Obama starting another war in the Middle East."